Funeral stretchers lean against a wall of a local cemetery in the village of Qum (Koom), on the West Bank of Luxor, Nile Valley, Egypt. According to Islamic law (“shariah”), the body should be buried as soon as possible from the time of death, which means that funeral planning and preparations begin immediately. After Salat al-Janazah has been recited, the body should be transported to the cemetery for burial. Traditionally, only men are allowed to be present at the burial, though in some communities all mourners, including women, will be allowed at the gravesite.